Austin Peay Govs have successful Sunday with spring game win and alumnae events

APSU Sports Information

Clarksville, TN – On a crisp and cool Sunday afternoon, the Austin Peay State University (APSU) women’s soccer team defeated Southern Indiana in their first home spring game, 2-0, before enjoying an alumnae game and barbecue, at Morgan Brothers Soccer Field.

The Governors, despite good performances at the start of the spring, had found trouble getting the ball into the net to start the spring.

The Govs opened their spring with a 1-0 loss to NCAA Tournament participant Lipscomb and then drew 0-0 with Chattanooga and Tennessee Tech.

It only took 30 minutes for the Govs to put the spring scoring demons to rest, with a brilliant goal scored by upcoming junior midfielder Katie Kenward[2]. Kenward, who had one goal and three assists last fall for the Govs, cut inside from the left and hit a shot that arched over the USI keeper and nestled into the back of the net. The goal was coming for the Govs, who controlled the majority of the possession in the opening periods of play.

The Govs added their second goal shortly after, after great work down the right hand side from Goodwin Brown[3]. Brown, who missed almost the entirety of last season due to injury, crossed in a ball that was not cleared by USI, as the ball then deflected off another USI defender for a 2-0 lead.

The second half saw USI come out of their shell a little bit, creating more chances as space started to open up. Mary Parker Powell[4] made a few important interventions in goal throughout her time in the net, helping contribute to the clean sheet.

After the 2-0 win, the Govs also played an alumnae game, where seniors from current head coach Naomi Kolarova[5]‘s first season in charge, as well as players under former coach Kelley Guth, came out to participate.

“We had a good opening 30 minutes, as we played smart in the top third of the field and stayed patient in possession,” said Kolarova. “It broke down more often after the first 30 minutes and we weren’t as sharp on the ball and did not press as well or lock them into their own half. They had a number of chances that Mary Parker saved in goal so we were lucky to keep a clean sheet. We looked a little heavy and tired as a team so we are going to take this week a little lighter to reenergize for two home games on Saturday.”

Speaking of those two home games on Saturday, the Govs will play both North Alabama and UAB, in addition to hosting Murray State. The action kicks off at noon with the Govs taking on the Blazers, before Murray State play both North Alabama and UAB in doubleheader action. The day finishes with the Govs squaring off with the Lions, at approximately 5:00pm.